Raymond “Sarge” Lee Nathaniel Bright

Raymond “Sarge” Lee Nathaniel Bright (April 21, 1982 – November 18, 2014) passed away unexpectedly at his home, where he was stationed with the U.S. Navy in Bartlett, Tenn.

Nate was born in Ozark, Ala., to Myra and James Bright of Midland City, Ala. He was the youngest of five children and spent his childhood days playing ball with his brothers and friends. He was a 2000 graduate of Dale County High School in Midland City. He may have been the youngest “Bright Boy” but certainly was not the smallest. With his 6’6” stature, he was a presence not to be missed in any room and yet had a personality even larger than his physique. Nate was rarely seen without a smile and sly remark for everyone around him. He might have been large enough to crush most men but chose rather to always look out for the little guy and lift up everyone who came to know him.

Nathan’s presence in this world will be missed, but the mark he has made upon those who knew him will live on for generations to come.

With great pride he joined the United States Navy in February of 2009, where he served as a Corpsman and rose to the rank of HM2. He shipped out to Japan in 2010, where he met the love of his life, his queen, Cassandra “Casey” Dione Bright of Eldon, Mo. Nathan was the proud parent of two amazing kids, Raymond Lee Nathaniel Bright Jr. (11) and Scarlet Ashton Ruth Bright (10), and the stepfather of Julian Ryno (6).

Nate was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Annice Bright of Ozark, Ala.; his maternal grandparents, Junior and Merline Ray of Midland City, Ala.; and a special cousin, Donald Irwin of Tennessee.

He is survived in life by his wife, Casey Bright; children, Ray Bright, Scarlet Bright, and Julian Ryno; parents, Myra and James Bright; siblings, Angie and Julie Dykes-Hanahan, Bubba and Jennifer Bright, Donny and Linda Bright, John Clayton Robert and Bevin Bright; several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless numbers of friends.